Phytoplankton distribution along a turbid, temperate estuary, Argentina

GUINDER, V. A.; POPOVICH C. A.; PERILLO. G. M. E.; HELBLING, W. E.

Fortaleza, Brasil

Congreso; III Congresso Brasileiro de Oceanografia. I Congresso Ibero-Americano de Oceanografia.; 2008

 In heterogeneous systems like temperate estuaries, the spatial distribution of the phytoplankton is regulated by physical, chemical and biological forces. In turbid estuaries with high nutrient concentrations, light availability is the principal factor controlling the phytoplankton distribution (Kocum et al. 2002). Hydrodynamics conditions as horizontal advection, turbulence and tidal energy may also regulate the spatial distribution of the phytoplankton biomass (Guinder et al 2007). The Bahía Blanca Estuary is temperate, mesotidal with a semidiurnal cycle. It is characterized with elevated nutrient and suspended sediment concentrations and a recurrent winter diatom bloom at Puerto Cuatreros station (Popovich 2007). The main goal of this research was to characterize the phytoplankton horizontal distribution during the winter biomass peak along the Principal channel of the Bahía Blanca Estuary.